“Ah, but does the judge know that, Mr. Colby?” asked Maud.

“I shall post him.  After that, the conviction of the prisoner will be impossible.”

“Do you think the examination will be held to-day?” inquired Mr. Merrick.

“I cannot tell that.  It will depend upon the mood of Judge Wilton.  If he feels grouchy or disagreeable, he is liable to postpone the case.  If he is in good spirits and wants to clear his docket he may begin the examination at ten o’clock, to-day, which is the hour set for it.”

“Is your evidence ready, Mr. Colby?”

“Such as I can command, Miss Stanton,” he replied.  “Last evening I wired New York for information as to the exact amount of stock Jones owns in the Continental, and I got a curious reply.  The stock is valued at nineteen hundred thousand dollars, but no one believes that Jones owns it personally.  It is generally thought that for politic reasons the young man was made the holder of stock for several different parties, who still own it, although it is in Jones’ name.  The control of stock without ownership is not unusual.  It gives the real owners an opportunity to hide behind their catspaw, who simply obeys their instructions.”

“I do not believe that Jones is connected with anyone in that manner,” said Mr. Merrick.

“Nor do I,” asserted Aunt Jane.  “His interference with Goldstein’s plans proves he is under no obligations to others, for he has acted arbitrarily, in accordance with his personal desires and against the financial interests of the concern.”

“Why didn’t you ask him about this, instead of wiring to New York?” demanded Maud.

“He might not give us exact information, under the circumstances,” said Colby.

The girl frowned.

“Jones is not an ordinary client,” continued the lawyer, coolly.  “He won’t tell me anything about himself, or give me what is known as ‘inside information.’  On the contrary, he contents himself with saying he is innocent and I must prove it.  I’m going to save the young man, but I’m not looking to him for much assistance.”

Maud still frowned.  Presently she said: 

“I want to see Mr. Jones.  Can you arrange an interview for me, sir?”

“Of course.  You’d better go into town with me this morning.  If the examination is held, you will see Jones then.  If it’s postponed, you may visit him in the jail.”

Maud reflected a moment.

“Very well,” said she, “I’ll go with you.”  Then, turning to her aunt, she continued:  “You must make my excuses to Mr. Goldstein, Aunt Jane.”

Mrs. Montrose eyed her niece critically.

“Who will accompany you, Maud?” she asked.

“Why, I’ll go,” said Patsy Doyle; and so it was settled, Uncle John agreeing to escort the young ladies and see them safely home again.

CHAPTER XXI

THE YACHT “ARABELLA”